October in Bali is when things start to shift. The summer rush is over, but the island isn’t slowing down, not even close. This month is shaping up with fresh restaurant openings, new menus hitting the scene, and plenty of reasons to book that late-night ride home. And yes, the spooky season is officially on the calendar. Get ready for costume parties, Halloween specials, and some of the island’s biggest nights out.
October’s got that sweet spot energy: Way more flavour, new places to see and be seen, spooky season, and a social calendar that keeps you busy. Ready to see what’s happening during the spooky month?
L’Osteria Pizza e Cucina – Petitenget
L’Osteria has expanded its Tuscan-inspired kitchen to Jl. Petitenget, bringing the same warmth and flavour that made their original spot a Bali favourite (they now have 6 outlets, including Ubud, Uluwatu, Canggu, Sanur and Jimbaran). Think classic Italian recipes made with family traditions at heart: handmade pastas, wood-fired Neapolitan sourdough pizzas, and generous portions designed for sharing. One of their signatures, the cacio e pepe, is finished right at your table in a giant wheel of Parmigiano — a bit of theatre that never fails to impress.
The new Petitenget location balances rustic charm with a lively, modern setting, making it just as good for a casual pizza night as it is for date night over a bottle of Chianti.
Insider tip: save room for dessert — their tiramisu has a loyal fan club and don’t say no to the post-dinner limoncello.
MASON Becomes MASONRY - From Bali to the World
MASONRY, formerly Mason, is a Med-inspired, woodfire-driven restaurant, built around craft, quality, and community. Born in Bali in 2018 as MASON, it quickly became a go-to for both locals and travellers – first in Canggu, then in Uluwatu. This December, the journey continues with MASONRY Japan, opening inside the new Niseko Kyo Hotel.
The evolution from MASON to MASONRY marks a new chapter, but the spirit remains the same: everything made by hand, from scratch, with care. The name itself reflects the art of masonry – handwork, detail, and attention that carries through to the food. Expect house-made charcuterie, breads, cheeses, and simple, produce-first dishes brought to life over woodfire.
All kitchens are led by acclaimed chef and co-founder Ben Cross, whose philosophy of “elevated simplicity” has defined the group since day one. Whether it’s at home in Bali or across the snowfields of Japan, MASONRY keeps its fire at the centre of everything.
Ubud Writers and Readers Festival 2025
Returning this October, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) stands out as one of the world’s most celebrated literary gatherings—uniting authors, artists, and audiences from across the globe. Set in the cultural heart of Bali, the festival offers an inspiring blend of panel discussions, live performances, literary lunches, and creative workshops, all designed to spark conversations and celebrate the power of words.
First held in 2004 as a healing response to the 2002 Bali bombings, UWRF has since evolved into Southeast Asia’s leading festival of ideas. This year’s theme, Uniting Humanity, reflects the festival’s mission to bridge cultures through storytelling and shared understanding. With intimate venues, world-class speakers, and a vibrant local atmosphere, Ubud once again becomes a haven for writers, dreamers, and thinkers alike.
Lyvin Melasti: Cliffside Villas With a View to Stay Forever
Uluwatu just welcomed a new showstopper to its cliffline — Lyvin Melasti. Sitting high above Melasti Beach, this boutique complex of villas and suites takes barefoot luxury and strips it back to what really matters: clean design, endless horizon views, and the kind of stillness you could bottle.
The villas are made for long, lazy stays with space to entertain. Think two sleek bedrooms that open directly to the pool deck, a living and dining room with a sexy kitchen, surrounded by glass to capture the views. There’s a coffee bar for your first morning cup, a guest bathroom, and even a laundry for longer stays. Families are welcome too, with nanny services on hand.
Designed by co-founder Victoria Sokovykh, Lyvin balances Scandinavian restraint with Balinese touches: sulawesi marble, teak furniture, stone inspired by the cliffs below. It all flows with the natural contours of the land, so nothing feels forced.
For now, it’s villas only, with suites coming in December 2025, plus Kala restaurant will open there and a spa is on the way. But even as it is, Lyvin Melasti feels like Uluwatu at its finest – a place you could happily call home.
Jemme's Sunday Roast gets an Update!
At Jemme in Seminyak, the roast is practically sacred. The boudoir-style dining room has just had a glow-up in time for Christmas, with chandeliers sparkling brighter than ever and a refreshed menu to match.
Alongside their favourites, which include Western and Indonesian dishes, French-inspired classics, and their famous roasts, there’s a creative cocktail menu and a solid wine list. The roasts have also had an upgrade, offering you a choice of sides. Take your pick of succulent beef, roast lamb with mint sauce, burnished roast chicken, pork with crackling and apple sauce, or nut roast, and add four sides of your choice. Each roast is served with crispy potatoes and rich gravy.
Pair it with one of their legendary Bloody Marys or the refreshing tangerine and passionfruit martini, then wander through the glittering jewellery boutique next door. A Seminyak classic for comfort food that always delivers.
Kuta Gets Its Roar Back With The Naked Tiger.
This new Asian fusion spot doesn’t hold back, with chef Will Clintan putting his edge on everything from bread to dumplings to noodles, all made from scratch and packed with flavour.
The meal kicks off strong with pork belly bao, beef dumplings, and a crying tiger salad that’s spicy, fresh and moreish. Mains become favourites: coconut-glazed beef short ribs that melt and a tom yum noodle soup served with a whole lobster on top. Dessert keeps the fun rolling with Thai tea boba reimagined through milk ice cream, shokupan, pearls, and sauce; sweet, creamy, and addictive.
The space nods to Southeast Asia but does it with a playful, elevated twist. It’s cool, it’s fresh, and it makes you want to linger. The Naked Tiger isn’t just another new opening—it’s the reminder that Kuta still has bite.
Yawara Brings a Refined Touch of Japan to Seminyak
Yawara introduces Bali to the kind of Japanese dining that people can’t stop talking about. Built on omotenashi, the philosophy of sincere hospitality, the experience feels personal and warm, more like being welcomed into a home than a restaurant. The food is meticulously crafted with intention, fresh cuts from the ocean transformed into elegant sushi, alongside premium yakiniku that turns a simple grill into something memorable. Highlights include the melt-in-your-mouth Kuroge wagyu karubi and the prized misuji, both served with the precision and care that define Yawara’s reputation. Prestigious yet unpretentious, every detail matters in this place, from the cut of the beef to the balance of the seasoning, all delivered with a quiet confidence. Tucked away in Seminyak, this hidden gem feels intimate and understated, a space that fuses Japanese tradition and modern refinement. Yawara is a destination for those who appreciate craft, flavour, and the feeling of being treated as family.
Flairs by Wonderspace Adds Thai Spice To Ubud
Flairs Ubud is taking Thai cuisine and giving it a contemporary lift without losing its soul. Set against the quiet beauty of the rice fields, the open-air design flows into warm wooden interiors, pool side bar, making it the kind of place where dinner easily stretches into an evening.
The food is all about balance, familiar flavours presented with a modern twist. Fresh oysters and pomelo seafood salad bring a bright start, while the pad karapow carries the fire and the pork collar crackles with crisp perfection. To finish, the mango sticky rice crème brûlée is playful, indulgent, and somehow exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
The bar has its own statement piece: the Tom Yum Splash. It’s Thailand’s iconic soup reimagined as a cocktail, with vodka, lemongrass, tamarind, chilli, coconut, and pineapple all shaken into something bold and addictive.
Flairs Ubud isn’t just another restaurant opening in Ubud. It’s a dining experience that feels refined yet alive, rooted in Thai tradition but reinvented for right now.
Tacos Aqui Levels Up Uluwatu Weekends with Mexican Brunch
¡Salud! Weekends in Uluwatu just got brighter as Tacos Aqui launches its brand-new Mexican Brunch, served every Friday to Sunday from 11AM – 4PM. This brunch is all about bold flavours, creative twists, and the kind of comfort that makes you want to stay all afternoon.
The menu brings Mexico’s soul to Bali with standout dishes like the Breakfast Burrito packed with silky scrambled eggs, house-made chorizo, guacamole, and bravas sauce; Mexican Eggs Benedict with chipotle and jalapeño hollandaise; and Sweet Corn Fritters paired with crema verde and Creole chutney. Sweet tooth’s will love the Custard Toast, fluffy brioche layered with sour cream custard and citrus salsa. For something more filling, there’s the Mexican Scrambled Eggs with your choice of chicken, beef, or birria, and the Breakfast Tostada topped with a fried egg — perfect to share, but just as easy to keep all to yourself.
Drinks bring just as much personality, from the tropical Frutaloca Smoothie to the curated Sticky Rice Cappuccino, and of course the ultimate brunch companion, the Bloody Mary crowned with celery and shrimp!
Set against Uluwatu’s laid-back atmosphere, Tacos Aqui’s Mexican Brunch is more than a meal. It’s a weekend ritual. Gather your crew, sip something bold, share plates, and enjoy weekends in Uluwatu.
Da Maria redefines Sundays in Bali with SONO by INNO
SONO, meaning “I am” in Italian, is more than a name; it’s an affirmation of rhythm, presence, and pure expression. At Da Maria, Sundays begin with long-table dining and seamlessly evolve into a dance floor driven by deep, soulful Afro House beats.
This isn’t just another night out. SONO captures the rare sense of community that happens when food, music, and atmosphere move in harmony. The kitchen fuels the energy with Da Maria’s signature flavours, cocktails keep spirits high, lights shift, and the crowd pulses together as one.
Here, Sundays don’t close the week; they open a new one. A living ritual. Immersive, alive, and uniquely Da Maria.
Seken Bali Brings Sophistication to Seminyak With Jazz and Cocktails
Seminyak’s nightlife just found its missing note. Seken Bali has arrived, a new cocktail and jazz bar that feels like exactly what the neighbourhood’s been waiting for. It’s tucked above the street but instantly draws you in with the sound of brass, basslines, and that low hum of a room where something good’s about to happen.
Seken isn’t your typical bar. It’s built by a crew of bartenders, musicians, and creatives who wanted to bring back live jazz, done properly, with cocktails that match the mood. At the bar, you’ll find Charles Richard, yes, the Diageo World Class Indonesia 2025 winner, mixing drinks that feel as layered as a jazz track. Think the Salak Serenade, a tropical riff with white rum and Bali’s snake fruit, or the Late Night Riff, a dark, moody mix of rum, cold brew, cacao, and aged cheddar foam that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.
There’s food too. Shareable, and made for long conversations. Between the clink of glasses and the rhythm of live horns, Seken is where the jazz nerds, cocktail lovers, and night owls finally meet in Seminyak. It’s the kind of place you don’t stumble into, you make plans for it.
Spooky Season Creeps Into Bali, And The Island Is Buzzing With Energy!
Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort Is Set to Bring a Wicked Halloween to Life
With a line-up of family-friendly festivities and elegant dining. On Thursday, 31 October, Kwee Zeen at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua transforms into a Halloween playground with a Pan-Asian buffet dinner from 6 to 10.30pm. Expect a spread of themed delicacies, cauldron-inspired dishes, and creative cocktails, while younger guests are entertained with spooky cartoon movies, magician shows, face painting, and trick-or-treat activities. The dinner is priced at IDR 449,000++ per adult and IDR 224,500++ per child, offering an evening that balances seasonal fun with culinary flair.
The celebration continues on Sunday, 2 November, when Cucina hosts a special Halloween brunch from 11am to 3pm. Guests are encouraged to dress in costume for the chance to win prizes, adding an extra layer of festivity to the occasion. The buffet showcases French, Italian, Indian, Balinese, and Japanese cuisines, alongside live music, magician performances, and a dedicated dessert room. Priced at IDR 888,000++ per adult and IDR 388,000++ per child, it’s a multi-sensory experience designed for families and friends to enjoy together.
With two distinct events blending playful energy and refined dining, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort makes Halloween a true highlight of the season.
For reservations, contact +62 811 3830 5954 or fb.reservation@sofitelbalinusadua.com.
Día de los Muertos - Double Trouble in Motel Mexicola Seminyak & Canggu
Forget your average Halloween. Motel Mexicola’s Día de los Muertos is back on Friday, October 31, and it’s set to be one of the wildest nights on the island. Seminyak and Canggu are both going full throttle with fire, flavour, and the kind of Mexicola chaos we all secretly (or not so secretly) live for.
It’s a full-blown celebration of life after death, straight from Mexico to Bali. Expect both venues to be transformed into a riot of colour, music, and mayhem, with tequila flowing, tables shaking, and Chef Steven Skelly serving up one-night-only dishes made for the night.
And if you love a little friendly competition, dress to kill. Each venue is giving away IDR 10 million to the best-dressed. But be warned: Mexicola doesn’t play. We’re talking jaw-dropping, spine-tingling, “holy sh*t did you see that?” costumes.
Two venues. One epic night. The dead are waiting. Vámonos.
Venues: Motel Mexicola Seminyak & Canggu
Date: Friday, 31 October 2025 | 6 PM–2 AM
Hotel News: Canggu Welcomes 3 Very Different Stays
Canggu’s hotel scene is levelling up, with three new openings that couldn’t be more different from each other. Whether you’re after ultra-luxury, a design-driven hideaway, or something completely unexpected, there’s now a fresh address waiting.
Bohemia, Canggu
Bohemia calls itself “the art of living”, a Balinese tropical experience right in the middle of thriving Canggu. Interiors lean toward understated luxury, designed to stir the senses with art, music, and a strong connection to nature. Created by an ex-Starbucks CEO, this new opening blends stylish rooms with social energy, bringing together dining, wellness, and culture under one roof.
Bi Design House
On the other end of the scale, Bi Design House offers a more intimate escape. Just five bedrooms, all uniquely decorated, sit above rice fields with a pool, mini spa, and generous indoor–outdoor living. It’s adult-only (12+), and designed as much for creativity as for comfort. Owned by Sheila Man of Bali Interiors, the property doubles as a hub for workshops in ceramics, pottery, dyeing and more. It’s a thoughtful alternative for solo travellers and small groups who care about design and craft.
Regent Bali Canggu
And then there’s Regent – one of the year’s most anticipated luxury openings. Perched on Canggu Beach, this five-star resort brings back the legendary Regent brand with beachfront suites, a rooftop bar, multiple restaurants, spa, fitness centre, and an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Couples will love the private sunset dinners, while everyone will appreciate the flawless service. Non-guests can enjoy their chilled out beach club with an oceanside pool, bar and restaurant.
